All Blacks haven't 'stressed' Lions as Gatland eyes series win

Warren Gatland said the British and Irish Lions are confident they can win their series against New Zealand, having not been convinced by the usually dominant All Blacks.

The blockbuster series in New Zealand will be decided by a third and final game at Eden Park on Saturday after the Lions rallied to beat the world champions 24-21 in Wellington last week.

Gatland’s Lions capitalised on Sonny Bill Williams’ red card in the first half as Owen Farrell kicked a late penalty to level the three-match series at 1-1.

The biggest week of #LionsNZ2017 lies ahead… *goosebumps*#NZLvBIL #MondayMotivation pic.twitter.com/dHeVwR6vWn

— British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) July 3, 2017

And Gatland believes the visiting Lions have what it takes to claim a series victory over the All Blacks for the first time since 1971.

“We have poked the bear but hopefully the wounded Lion from last week is still recovering as well,” said Gatland via the Guardian.

“This is the best team in the world and, for two Test matches, they really haven’t stressed us. They have squeezed us and made us give away penalties but we haven’t seen the expansive rugby that the All Blacks are known for.

“We’ve coped with that and, if we can continue to improve in other areas, then we are going to see, hopefully, a great Test match.”

Gatland added: “Saturday was pretty massive for all of us: for the future of the Lions, for the team, for everyone involved; to go 1-1 with no one expecting that.

“Now [we can] go to Eden Park thinking: ‘Actually, if we put our best foot forward and play to our ability, we are capable of winning that Test match and the series.'”